Low Pay Commission offer ‘not good enough’

Sinn Fein Councillor, Colly Kelly.

Published:09:00Updated:09:03Tuesday 10 March 2015

Share this article

Sinn Féin Councillor Colly Kelly has said the proposal from the British government’s Low Pay Commission (LPC) that the minimum wage be increased by 3 per cent falls far short of what is required to lift people out of poverty.

“The LPC proposed increases to the minimum wage for people over 21 by 3 per cent to £6.70, for 18-20 years by 3.3 per cent to £5.30 and by 2.2 per cent to £3.87 for workers aged 16 and 17. These are totally inadequate to lift people out of poverty and provide increased disposable income to boost the economy.

“There are now more people in work and living in poverty than those out of work. This proposed 3 per cent increase for someone paid the minimum wage represents a derisory 20p per hour increase.”

Colr. Kelly added: “While 3 per cent might well be a decent increase for someone earning large salaries, it is a pittance for people earning well short of what is required to lift them out of poverty.”